News articles

Scottish Aviation & STEM Trail Launch

Screenshot of the Scottish Aviation website header.
A new website has been launched to commemorate Scotland's rich aviation heritage and promote STEM subjects.

Air Officer Scotland’s office has been working with Scottish Regional Air Museums, Scottish University Air Squadrons, Air Cadets, and aviation enthusiasts from around the country to launch an exciting new website.

If asked to think of physical aviation features, most would only think of Airfields. However, there is so much more, such as radar stations, flying boat and Air Sea Rescue bases, memorials, factories, Museums, and crash sites.

The Scottish Aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) Trail identifies such sites across Scotland and can be found at www.scottishaviation.org.uk.

Screenshot from the Scottish Aviation website marking the location of Sites on the Trail.
There are many physical aviation features across Scotland commemorating aviation history that can be found through the website. 

These sites preserve the legacy of important pioneers in aviation, who often risked their lives to allow advancement. Many were Scots, like Robert Watson-Watt who invented the radar; Preston Watson who developed aviation flight and early aircraft models; and David McIntyre who was one of the first to fly over Everest and established an aircraft factory.

Black and white portrait of Robert Watson-Watt
Robert Watson-Watt was a Scottish pioneer in radar technology.  

The Trail commemorates and preserves this rich heritage and the memories of Scottish pioneers and the history of aviation. It also inspires the next generation to get involved with STEM, aerospace and aviation technology.

“Hopefully, schools and young people will not only find our STEM material fun and informative but will also be inspired to look at the huge range of STEM careers that are needed for our future world. The site also promotes our Flying Aces Scheme, offering flight experience to disabled and disadvantaged Scottish youngsters, so we hope we can encourage more to take part in this too."

Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson
Air Officer Scotland

So, how does the Trail work? You can view 9 different Trails highlighting aviation history around Scotland, or search for sites under various categories, including a separate map of crash-sites. Veterans and other members of the public are also encouraged to help the site grow, by contributing their own stories to add to the rich history.  

Screenshot of the Trails from the website.
Trails can be downloaded from the website, which follow a route that highlights the many Sites.  

“It is wonderful to be working with our RAF colleagues in Scotland on such an inspiring project. As well as sharing the stories of the Royal Air Force we are passionate about engaging young minds with science and technology, in order to build a brighter and better future. The RAF itself has always been at the forefront of utilising technological advances as a force for good and we look forward to continuing to develop creative projects like this with them in the future."

Maggie Appleton
CEO of the RAF Museum

Portrait of a smiling Maggie Appleton, CEO of the RAF Museum.
Maggie Appleton, CEO of the RAF Museum has worked with colleagues to develop the website and Trails.

The Scottish Aviation and STEM Trail can be found at www.scottishaviation.org.uk.